TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed a groundbreaking technology for tuberculosis (TB) detection that promises to be affordable, faster, and user-friendly.
EXPLANATION:
- This technology aims to significantly improve TB detection rates and accessibility, especially in low-resource settings.
Invitation for Commercialization
- ICMR has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organizations, companies, and manufacturers to undertake the ‘Transfer of Technology’ for the commercialization of the CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system.
- This initiative is expected to revolutionize TB testing by making it more accessible and cost-effective.
Development and Capabilities of the TB Detection Kit
- The CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system, developed by the ICMR-RMRCNE Institute in Dibrugarh, is touted as the world’s cheapest TB testing system.
- It can detect Mycobacterium TB using DNA from a patient’s saliva at a very low cost.
- The system is designed to identify TB bacteria even with preliminary symptoms and can test over 1,500 samples simultaneously within approximately two hours.
- Researchers highlight the simplicity of the system, which allows it to be used even in primary health centers in villages.
The Urgency of Addressing TB in India
- Tuberculosis remains a significant health challenge in India, with an estimated 480,000 deaths annually, translating to over 1,400 deaths every day.
- Additionally, more than a million TB cases go ‘missing’ each year, remaining undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed and treated, especially in the private sector.
- The current TB burden highlights the urgent need for effective detection and treatment strategies.
India’s Goal and Challenges in Eliminating TB
- India aims to achieve a rapid decline in TB morbidity and mortality and work towards eliminating TB by 2025.
- However, progress has plateaued, necessitating a re-evaluation of existing protocols, particularly concerning TB medication and treatment duration.
- The ICMR’s new technology could play a crucial role in rebooting the TB-free initiative, targeting zero deaths, disease, and poverty resulting from TB.
Licensing and Commercialization Framework
- ICMR is prepared to enter into exclusive or non-exclusive agreements with eligible manufacturing companies for the licensing and commercialization of the CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system.
- These agreements will be governed by the ICMR IP Policy, ensuring proper management and distribution rights.
- Companies granted these rights will be able to further develop, manufacture, sell, and commercialize the technology.
Technical Support and Collaboration
- ICMR-RMRCNE Institute will provide expert guidance and technical support throughout the production phases of the CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system.
- This oversight aims to accelerate product development and commercialization.
- ICMR’s team of experienced scientists will offer support in study planning, product development, protocol development, data analysis, outcome assessment, safety and efficacy assessment, and product improvement.
- Furthermore, ICMR will facilitate research and development (R&D) and clinical studies of the new technology through its affiliates and institutes, ensuring a collaborative and professional approach.
- The Council will also assist in the validation of the technology as per the terms and conditions of the agreement.
- However, ICMR will not have any financial obligations unless otherwise specified.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world.
- The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- It aims to translate Research into Action for Improving the Health of the Population.
- Its objectives are:
- Generate, manage and disseminate new knowledge.
- Increase focus on research on the health problems of the vulnerable, the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of the society.
- Harness and encourage the use of modern biology tools in addressing health concerns of the country.
- Encourage innovations and translation related to diagnostics, treatment, methods/ vaccines for prevention.
- Inculcate a culture of research in academia especially medical colleges and other health research institutions by strengthening infrastructure and human resource.
Tuberculosis
- Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also target other parts of the body.
- It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- TB is typically spread through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing respiratory droplets that can be inhaled by others.
Types of Tuberculosis:
- Pulmonary TB
- Pulmonary TB is the most common form of the disease, where the bacteria infect the lungs.
- Symptoms may include Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, Coughing up blood or phlegm, Chest pain, and Shortness of breath.
- Extrapulmonary TB
- Extrapulmonary TB occurs when TB affects organs other than the lungs, such as the lymph nodes, abdomen, bones, and joints, or the central nervous system.
- It accounts for about 15% of all TB cases.
- Latent TB
- Latent TB infection is when the bacteria are present in the body but inactive, causing no symptoms and not being contagious.
- However, latent TB can become active, especially if the immune system is weakened.
- Active TB
- Active TB, also known as TB disease, is the contagious form of TB that causes symptoms.
- It can be life-threatening if not properly treated.
